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Explore expert insights on ev warranty options fully explained to drive smarter and stay informed.
Explore expert insights on ev warranty options fully explained to drive smarter and stay informed.
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There is so much hype around electric vehicles (EVs). Let us unpack some questions on the lips of the many enthusiasts.
Dinner table conversation often focuses on topics of electric cars and battery warranties. If you are a car enthusiast, the chances are you might have some pre-conceived ideas. These are often based on vehicle service contracts for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Do You Know What an EV Battery Pack Consists of?
An EV warranty differs from other warranties. By law, automobile makers must add extended coverage as an electric car battery pack warranty. The battery is the most expensive part you’ll replace on your electric vehicle.
Should your electric vehicle battery not hold sufficient charge or fail, you are looking at forking out a tidy sum.
By law, the least warranty coverage for electric batteries is 8 years/100,000 miles. Whichever comes first.
Some brands offer longer warranty periods for electric vehicle battery packs. Brands like Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis provide longer extended warranties for their EV cars. Their warranties last for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mercedes Benz EQS is 10 years/155,000 miles.
In California, electric vehicles must have an original manufacturer warranty. This warranty lasts for 10 years or 155,000 miles.
Exceptions. The highly unfavorable term automotive makers use when offering an EV extended warranty!
Every vehicle warranty contains exceptions. Keep an eye out for the exceptions that won’t suit you. Avoid unpleasant surprises, particularly those relating to your new electric vehicle’s battery.
Some factory warranties only cover an electric vehicle's battery pack if it fails altogether. Some automakers replace your EV when it drops below a certain percentage. (about 60% to 70%) while still covered under warranty.
Several reasons could lead to the denial of your EV warranty claim. One of these is charging your battery with non-standard equipment. The other is failing to update firmware or failure to install software.
Always check the small print on your warranty cover. This will give you the full picture before finalizing any warranty coverage deal.
Most automotive manufacturers offer 7 to 8 years/100,000 miles on EV battery warranties. Whichever comes first.
Some warranties offer free replacements when the EV’s capacity drops below 70%. A 30% drop is noteworthy. This could affect the ability to make significant journeys without interruptions.
Food for thought - If you are planning on keeping your EV long-term, weigh up the pros and cons. If your battery is at 70% capacity and it's a chilly day, what are the outcomes? They probably won’t be good!
The best EV warranty on offer is the Rivian’s new R1T electric truck and R1S electric SUV. The warranty covers all parts inside the battery. It also covers 70% + of the battery capacity for 8 years/ 175,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The best Electric vehicle warranties for cars under $65,000 are the Kia and Hyundai. Both have warranties of 10 years/ 100,000 miles.
Hyundai’s EV warranty covers batteries, motors, and Powertrain parts. Guarantees of 70% battery capacity retention ensure motorists enjoy peace of mind.
The industry standard for EV factory warranties for 2024 is 8 years/ 100,000 miles, whichever is first.
GM’s Chevrolet Bolt and GMC Hummer EV have 8 years/ 100,000 miles battery warranties. The battery retention portion of the warranty will replace the battery when it dips below 60%.
Your electric vehicle battery warranty covers all EV high-voltage components. Coverage will vary depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers will replace the battery under warranty only once your battery fails. The battery has to stop altogether for the insurance cover to kick in.
Yet other automobile manufacturers will replace the EV battery if it drops below a specific percentage.
Kia, Hyundai, and Lucid replace batteries when they drop below 70%.
Your EV battery warranty will cover specific components with specific exclusions. Know what these exclusions are:
Get as much life as you can from your EV battery. Instead of replacing your electric vehicle battery, there are ways to maximize battery life.
As with all technology, it is important to keep your EV battery tech systems updated. Keeping your battery updated will go a long way to maximize battery life.
This will ensure you are keeping up to date with your warranty terms.Regularly updating your system is important to avoid a rejected claim.
DC rapid charging is excellent for road trips. For day to day use, charge your battery at home using a Level 1 or 2 charger.
Car manufacturers recommend level 1 and 2 charging. Constant Level 3 charging can overheat your EV battery. This could cause your battery to lose capacity in the long term. The result is a fall off in EV batteries.
One of the most common questions new owners of EVs ask is whether you can plug your EV into a standard wall outlet.
The short answer is yes - it is possible to plug your EV into a standard wall plug. But it is not the most practical solution. Your electric vehicle should have a standard 120-volt charging cable.
Can I plug my EV into a standard wall outlet?
EV manufacturers recommend EV batteries maintain a mid-level charge. This is between 20% and 90% when used daily. These are guides recommended by EV manufacturers like Ford. Letting the charge drop below 20% might damage the battery.
Road trips are best charged to full capacity. Charging your battery to 100% for day-to-day driving could harm your EV battery
The exception with charging an EV is the lithium iron phosphate battery. You can charge an LFP battery to 100% without degradation.
Recent versions of Tesla’s Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV have lithium ion phosphate batteries. The recent Ford Mustang Mach-E also has LFPs.
Automobile owners of gas-powered cars are familiar with how they work and to care for them.
Your electric vehicle operates differently. Your EV needs differ from your gas car. Reading your manual from start to finish will give you a clear idea of what to do. Find out what the terms and conditions are to avoid expensive out-of-pocket costs.
When EV owners change hands, carmakers are usually happy to transfer the warranty. But this does not always happen. When shopping for your dream EV, it’s wise to check if the battery warranty is transferable.
Tesla is one such car manufacturer providing battery warranty transfers.
Expect your EV battery to last anything from 10 to 20 years. They last longer than batteries of hybrid vehicles. The reason is EV batteries are more powerful and larger than batteries of hybrid vehicles.
Warranties vary depending on the warranty type and automaker. The good news is that EV battery warranties have the longest coverage. Most EV manufacturers offer coverage of 8 years/10,000 miles, whichever is first. But this depends on the brand.
As of the start of 2027, the EPA (the US Environmental Protection Agency) stipulates that high-voltage EV systems and PHEVS (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) offer 8 year/ 80,000 mile warranties.
In California, the laws for EV battery warranties provide more protection. The federal government sets these specifications. All EV cars sold in California as of 2026 must have coverage for batteries that last 8years/100,000 miles. The warranty protects California EV car owners if a battery deteriorates below 70% during the warranty period.
